Yulimar Rojas returns to the global stage: ready to lead the triple jump at Indoor 2026

Yulimar Rojas once again places herself at the center of world athletics. The Venezuelan star returns to a World Indoor Championship with her sights set on reaffirming her dominance in the triple jump.

The competition, set to take place in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland, will bring together the discipline’s top figures this Saturday, March 21 at 19:38 (local time), in a showdown featuring the reigning world champion, the Olympic champion and the world record holder. 

Rojas has been in Poland since Wednesday, fine-tuning the final details of her preparation ahead of a final that will mark a new chapter in her return to the global elite.

“I’m very grateful to be back at a World Championship. It has been months of hard work, patience and trusting in God. Just being able to compete again is already a victory for me. I’m enjoying every jump, listening to my body and giving everything with my heart. Always representing my country with great pride,” she said.

The return of a legend

Yulimar arrives at this event at a special moment in her career. Widely regarded as the most dominant figure in the history of the triple jump, the Venezuelan returned to international competition in 2025 after a long break—and made it clear that her place among the elite remains intact.

Her bronze medal at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships marked a significant comeback, two years after her last appearance on a major stage. Since then, her progression has been steady and solid.

In her most recent outing, she recorded a jump of 14.95 meters in Valencia, a mark that places her as the world leader this season and confirms she is once again ready to contend for the title.

Rojas’ résumé speaks for itself: Olympic champion, four-time outdoor world champion and three-time world indoor champion, as well as the world record holder with 15.74 meters, her name is etched in the history of athletics.

Her last indoor world title came in Belgrade 2022, precisely the competition where she set that historic mark that redefined the limits of the discipline.

“It has been a tough process, but today I feel stronger, physically and mentally. I feel reborn. I’m very happy to be here, and I will give my best,” Rojas added.

A world-class showdown

The challenge will not be easy. Standing in her way will be Cuba’s Leyanís Pérez, the current world indoor and outdoor champion, who has consistently proven her level in every competition.

Also in the field is Dominica’s Thea LaFond, Olympic and world indoor champion, who made history by surpassing the 15-meter barrier (15.01 m), establishing herself among the world’s best.

The triple jump final will take place at 2:38 p.m. (Venezuela time) and will be broadcast on Meridiano Televisión and TyC Sports Play.